Douglas J. Janacek

Douglas J. Janacek: Real Property and Environmental Law Expert in New Jersey

Douglas J. Janacek is a leading real property and environmental attorney, renowned for his deep expertise in navigating the complex legal landscape of land development, zoning, and environmental regulations throughout New Jersey. With over three decades of experience, Mr. Janacek provides strategic legal counsel to developers, businesses, and municipalities, ensuring compliance and advocating for favorable outcomes in a wide range of projects. His proactive approach, combined with an in-depth understanding of state and local laws, makes him a trusted advisor and a formidable advocate for his clients.

As Co-Chair of the Real Property and Environmental Department at his firm, and a member of the firm’s Executive Committee, Mr. Janacek leads a team of experienced attorneys dedicated to delivering exceptional results. His focus on commercial, office, and industrial developments, coupled with his extensive experience in permitting and redevelopment matters, positions him as a crucial asset for any project requiring precise legal guidance.

Mr. Janacek’s expertise spans a comprehensive suite of legal services, including:

• Real Estate Development: Strategic planning, zoning approvals, land acquisition, and all aspects of the development lifecycle, from initial concept to completion.
• Planning and Permitting: Expert assistance in obtaining approvals for a diverse range of projects, including commercial buildings, offices, and industrial facilities, navigating complex regulatory requirements with meticulous attention to detail.
• Redevelopment: Successfully guiding projects through the challenges of redevelopment, including brownfield remediation, historic preservation, and community engagement.
• Environmental Law: Comprehensive representation in matters related to wetlands, coastal zones, streams encroachment, waterfront development permits, and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Third Party Appeals: Strong advocacy before planning and zoning boards and governing bodies, effectively representing clients' interests in disputes and appeals.

Mr. Janacek’s contributions extend beyond the courtroom. He played a pivotal role in the formulation and drafting of the New Jersey Highway Access Management Code, a landmark achievement recognized as one of the most comprehensive highway access regulations in the United States. This demonstrates his commitment to proactively shaping legal standards and promoting responsible development.

Education & Credentials

• Rutgers University School of Law – Newark (J.D., 1985) – Editor, Rutgers Law Review (1984-1985)
• Seton Hall University (B.A., summa cum laude, 1982)

Professional Admissions & Affiliations

• State of New Jersey 1985
• Member, Essex County Bar Association
• Member, New Jersey State Bar Association
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, NJDOT Highway Access Advisory Committee
• Member, NJ School of Architecture Advisory Board
• Member, Tewksbury Township Planning Board
• Member: Chairman, NAIOP, New Jersey Chapter – Third Party Appeals Committee
• Member, International Council of Shopping Centers
• Past Director, Land Use Section of the NJ Bar Association

Publications & Recognition

• “Cracking the COAH Code,” GlobeSt.com, October 12, 2009 (Douglas J. Janacek, Michael Miceli)
• “Hate Surprises? Read This.,” In-Sites, October 7, 2009 (Douglas J. Janacek, Michael Miceli)
• “Don’t Take Property, At Least Not Without Telling Someone!,” The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel, June 2007 (Douglas J. Janacek, Jason R. Tuvel)
• “Lowering the Density Level - An Analysis of Grubbs v. Slothower,” NJPA Real Estate Journal, March 23 – April 12, 2007 (Douglas J. Janacek, Jason R. Tuvel)
• “Appeals Court Strikes Down Third Round COAH Rules; Corzine Administration Given Six Months to Develop New Affordable Housing Plan,” In-Sites Special Alert, January 29, 2007 (Douglas J. Janacek, Jennifer M. Porter)
• “Environment and Land Use - New Flood Hazard Area Control Rules Proposed,” New Jersey Lawyer, December 18, 2006 (Douglas J. Janacek, Jason R. Tuvel)
• “Expired approvals and the right to build - When is enough, enough?,” NJPA Real Estate Journal, September 22, 2006 (Douglas J. Janacek, Michael Miceli)
• “NJDEP Proposes De Facto Sewer Ban and Significant Restrictions Affecting New Septic Systems,” In-Sites, Special Alert, November 16, 2005 (Douglas J. Janacek, Jason R. Tuvel)
• “State Takes Control Over Development Decisions for Hundreds of Thousands of Acres as Highlands Act Becomes Law of the Land in Much of Northern New Jersey,” In-Sites, October 15, 2004 (Paul M. Hauge, Douglas J. Janacek)
• “NJDEP Legislative, Regulatory and Policy Update - Highlands Water Protection and Planning Act, Stormwater Regulations and ISRA Letters of Nonapplicability ('LNA'),” In-Sites, Special Alert, April 2004 (Douglas J. Janacek)

Awards & Recognition

• Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2010
• Recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award from NAIOP, New Jersey Chapter (November 2007)

Douglas J. Janacek is committed to providing his clients with the legal expertise and dedicated advocacy they need to achieve their development goals while navigating the complexities of New Jersey's regulatory environment. He is recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2010.